2008 Toyota Tacoma [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 49 Tacoma reviews and test drives.
Toyota Tacoma - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma ranks 1 out of 7 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 49 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Tacoma, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma combines the practicality of a truck with the interior comfort and safety of a car, earning it a place among the best in the class.
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma, last redesigned in 2005, gets positive reviews and a high overall score for its refined powertrain options, off-road performance, aggressive looks, and its versatile cab and bed combinations. The Tacoma has long been an award-winning car, including recognition from J.D. Power as the "Best Midsize Pickup in Initial Quality" for 2007. Automotive.com says, "The Toyota Tacoma may be the best pickup in its class. And that's saying a lot, because the entire class is outstanding."
Despite the overwhelming praise, reviewers think the Tacoma's truck-like ride detracts from its overall ride quality -- something that led to the Tacoma placing third out of five in a Car and Driver comparison. And although the Tacoma Double Cab has comfortable rear seating for three, the rear seats in the Access cab are almost universally disliked by reviewers. However, the Tacoma gets high marks for a simple interior design with a long list of standard convenience features.
- "The Toyota Tacoma may be the best pickup in its class." --Automotive.com
- "Taken as a whole, this truck has a lot to offer: power, off-road abilities, comfort and convenience-everything you'd want in a work truck, even if you just work hard at playing."-- AutoWeek
- "Tacomas have such a strong reputation for quality and reliability that late-model used ones often sell for almost as much as new vehicles." -- BusinessWeek
- "Still, the Tacoma's a refined piece with lots of 'truck‘ baked in. The problem is that there's simply too much truck where we don't want it." -- Car and Driver
- "The Toyota Tacoma, it turns out, conquers traffic as well as the trail. ... Add a crew cab -- sedanlike seating for five or six -- and you may wonder, why bother with a car or SUV?"-- U.S. News
Tacoma Performance - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma has a powerful V6 engine and refined five-speed automatic transmission, as well as adequate hauling capacity and impressive off-road handling. "This is plenty of truck for 95 percent of truck buyers," says Car and Driver. Nevertheless, some reviews say a rough ride detracts from the Tacoma's appeal. Read our full performance review to see why the four cylinder engine generates more yawns among the auto press than horsepower. continue
Tacoma Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The Tacoma ranks in the middle of the compact pickup class when it comes to exterior styling. "The Toyota Tacoma is an attractive truck, though not as stylish as those from Nissan, Dodge and other manufacturers," says Automotive.com. Read the full exterior review to see what reviewers like about the Tacoma's looks, or view 2008 Toyota Tacoma pictures in our photo gallery. continue
Tacoma Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma's interior impresses most reviewers. BusinessWeek says the "interior appointments are outstanding." Some reviews warn that not all truck buyers will appreciate the car-like seating, and most agree that the only comfortable backseat is in the double cab. Continue with the full interior review or check out our photo spread on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma interior. continue
Tacoma Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
With a long list of standard safety features and government crash test scores that impress, it's no surprise that Automobile Magazine reports, "The Tacoma was built to passenger-car safety standards." Most reviews agree. Read our full safety review to get a readout on government and insurance industry safety ratings. continue
Tacoma Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Every new Tacoma comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read the full reliability review to see how the Tacoma fares even as the auto press downgrades Toyota's overall rating for reliability. continue
